Spread Love in Arnab Village Ranau, Sabah, Borneo

26

September, 2017

Our Wildlife Tour Packages

“Love is Happiness!”

Signboard for the Arnab Village Ranau. Photo by: InfoSantai

Spread some love and be happy while surrounding yourself with animals. Did you know, you can have yourself surrounded by cuddly and fluffy animals in your holiday trip to Sabah, Borneo? It is none other than at the Arnab Village in Ranau, Sabah, Borneo. Experience a stress-free therapy when you get up close and personal with the rabbits in their cute and kid-friendly environment.

Arnab (translated from the Malay Language, which means Rabbit) Village is considered a new place of attraction in Ranau, Sabah, Borneo. Apart from that, it is the biggest Rabbit Park, as well as the first one in Sabah, Borneo. It started in 2015, when the owner, Mr. Jubair, started it as a hobby with only two rabbits and he did not expect to open an Arnab Village until it went viral through the social media. As a result, the response from locals were so great that he became an overnight sensation and upgrading his space for more of these furry animals to live in. Now, he has about 400 rabbits in the park and it has been opened to the public ever since last year.

The Arnab Village is not far from Ranau Village, but the road accessing it is a bit bumpy, so best to use a 4 wheeler when getting there. I was lucky to visit the place once, where the ride itself was like a roller coaster getting into the Arnab Village! But it was worth it. It is best to go during the day when it is not over-crowded, as a lot of locals from near and far tend to bring their families there to visit these furry creatures.

If you’re an animal lover, you will definitely enjoy this place as the animals are so warm and cuddly! But do be nice to them though, as they are animals with feelings and not a toy. Rabbits are furry and fragile creatures that need great attention and love. Apart from that, you also have a chance to feed them and see them eating straight out of your hands! So don’t forget to purchase food for the rabbits there, so you can feed the rabbit right from your hands!

Some of the Dos and Dont’s in Arnab Village Ranau. Photo by: InfoSantai

Kids feeding the rabbits. Photo by: Arnab Village Ranau

Show some love to the rabbit. Photo by: Cypriano

Check out the video below about Arnab Village Ranau:

Therefore, going to this place, witnessing various species of the rabbits, it makes you feel like you are in a Bunny Wonderland. Amazing right? These rabbits are used to human touch, so don’t be surprised to learn how fast they get attached to you (especially when you have food in your hands). Capture these special moments of you and your loved ones playing around with these furry creatures in their cute homey place. If you love small animals, you’ll love to know that they also have guinea pigs and hamsters to play around with! It’s definitely an animal lover haven! There are also souvenirs sold in the Arnab Village, such as t-shirts, handmade soap, and many more.

For more information, you can check out their Facebook page Arnab Village Ranau. In addition, you can also read our blog entry to know more interesting places in Ranau that you should not miss out! If you are looking places in Borneo that you can bring your kids, we provide you our picks of places in Borneo that are kid-friendly.

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5 Reasons Sandakan is a Unique Travel Destination

22

September, 2017

Our related tour packages

The dawn at the Sandakan city

Sandakan is located on the eastern coast of Sabah Borneo, it is formerly known as Elopura or “Beautiful City” by the founder and early trader – William Pryer, in the midst of 19th Century. Later on, it also is known as Little Hong Kong, due to the town becoming a thriving place for trades of the pearl of the sea, tobacco, beeswax, edible bird’s nest, timber, and more, which eventually attracted Chinese residents from Guangdong Province, China, to come to Sandakan. Sandakan is the second largest town in Sabah, Borneo, after Kota Kinabalu city and used to be the capital of British North Borneo.

So, what makes Sandakan a unique travel destination for wanderlusts out there? Check the list below:

2. A Gateway to Wildlife & Nature Adventure in Sabah Borneo

Kinabatangan river cruise to spot some endemic Borneo Wildlife

Travelers who are hardcore nature enthusiasts will find Sandakan one of the best wildlife adventures in Malaysia. A traveler will most probably book a trip for river cruising on Kinabatangan River to see some of the Borneo Wildlife, such as Pygmy Elephants in the wild, which is endemic to Borneo Rainforests. Go for the canopy walk and get intimate with nature. In addition, exploring the Gomantong cave to see the swiftlets, bats, and the natural architecture of the cave.

3. Preservation and Conservation Places

One of the conservation & preservation programs for sea turtles

Forty-two kilometers offshore in Sandakan is where the idyllic Turtle Islands National Park awaits. A place where a traveler can spend lazily under the sun and swim in the Sulu sea. But, what makes it more interesting is the Turtle Island is where traveler gets a chance to witness the Hawksbill or Green Turtle laying eggs at the beach in the middle of the night, as well as participate in assisting and witnessing the release of the hatchlings to the sea. It is a unique experience for the traveler to feel it and also helps to contribute one of the world’s most important conservation and preservation programs for sea turtles.

4. Historical Heritage Tour

Sandakan Memorial Park

Going for the Sandakan Heritage trail will give you the chance to view several places of attraction such as the Agnes Newton Keith’s house, St. Michael and All Angels Church, Sandakan Memorial Park and more. Agnes Newton Keith’s house was rebuilt and converted into a museum after it was destroyed during the World War II (WWII). The St. Michael and All Angels Church is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah Borneo that managed to avoid major damage during the WWII in the 1940s. Moreover, Sandakan Memorial Park is a place of somber reflection on the world’s infamous Death March which was set within the park itself, known as the Prisoner of War Camp (POW). A beautiful green park that offers a free and easy to explore the area as well as commemorate those who served and died during the war in Sandakan. Are you more into historical traveler? You can read our other blog post to know more on Sabah Heritage Buildings.

5. Foodie Heaven

Sandakan Food

Apart from being the perfect place for wildlife and nature adventure, as well as showcasing historical places in Sabah Borneo, Sandakan also offers a foodie haven for those who like to eat. Food in Sandakan is to die for! Stop by Kampung Buli Sim-Sim, a traditional village built on stilts over the sea, to taste the freshest and tastiest seafood around. Taste the popular Seafood Bak Kut Teh which made only from the general spices of Bah Kut Teh, but with a flavored taste of Seafood – makes it a unique food and MUST-try when in Sandakan. The famous UFO tarts (originally from Sandakan) can be found in any bakeries in Sandakan for the sweet tooth to indulge it with a cup of hot tea/coffee!

Sandakan offers travelers more than they could imagine, which makes it one of the unique travel destination in Sabah Borneo. Looking for more places in Sandakan, Sabah Borneo to visit? Feel free to read our Sandakan Travel Guide, to make your Holidays in Borneo Island more interesting! Are you an avid trekker? Check out our travel tips on trekking in Sabah Borneo rainforest.

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A ‘Fishy’ Kinda Massage…

in Sabah Borneo

Our Kota Kinabalu Tour Packages

Looking for an authentic experience of having a fish massage in somewhere in Borneo island? Head to Tagal Tinopikon Park to enjoy the massage given by the fishes. Sounds fishy right?… Hehe

Tagal Tinopikon Park is located in Kampong Notoruss, Penampang Sabah Borneo and it is only about 35 minutes drive (23.9km) from Kota Kinabalu City on the way to Tambunan Town. The highlights of this place are the river which is a no fishing zone or ‘Tagal’, a system created by the local community in Penampang Sabah Borneo, that prohibits anyone to fish in the river. Not only the river is well taken care of, but the fishes also enjoy the company of humans and they are not shy to approach anyone to give them a light nibble. Ready for fish massage in your Borneo holiday?

Suspension bridge leads to the park. Photo by: Tagal Tinopikon Park

Kampung Notoruss is a small Kadazan Village located just further up from Babagon River, only 5 minutes drive passing the Babagon Village, which is one of the village in Penampang Sabah Borneo. This is where you can experience the authentic way of life of the Kadazan people of Penampang, and you can also experience the local food and the everyday life of the villagers there. You will get the chance to try some activities such as rubber tapping, to open- kitchen cooking in the village. A must try for your Borneo holiday in Sabah Borneo!

You would need to cross the suspension bridge to reach the park Photo by: Tagal Tinopikon Park

Upon arrival, you will walk a few steps down and you will be crossing a suspension bridge that leads to the Tagal Tinopikon Park. Below the bridge is the crystal clear water of the Moyog River.

A traditional open-air kitchen by the river. Photo by: Adam Lai

One of the traditional style open-kitchen that sits beautifully just beside the river and this is where the fun starts. Get the chance to sample some of the local dishes and dine like a local.

This is where the magic starts. Light up some firewood and let’s start the cooking. This old-school looking open-kitchen may look old and it doesn’t have all the high-end stuff like a microwave, a high powered stove, or a cooking oven, but, when it comes to getting the job done, it’ll get the job done and serve that hungry stomach. Hey! What do you expect, this is not a five-star hotel. This is the real deal people!

Tuhau – Wild ginger in Sabah Borneo

Traditional local dishes

Porridge with Tapioca and deep fried Mackerel FIsh

The food varies from local veggies like the ‘Tuhau’, a wild ginger that has a very unique taste to it, and they also serve porridge with freshly grown tapioca and the famous drinking food or ‘Pomusas’ or ‘Pusas’ in local terms, the ‘Ikan Basung’, a deep fried Mackerel Fish and you can eat the whole fish without the hassle to de-bone it.

Ready, Set, Aim & Shoot Em Up!

Experience rubber tapping in the village

You will also get the chance to experience rubber tapping and get into action with the blowpipe and shoot some darts. Follow the local villagers and learn some basic rubber tapping skills from them and get to know what do they do with the rubber sap and how they process it. You will gain a thing or two about rubber tapping too! Let’s get into the fun part now, are you ready for some blowpipe action? If you are, the Tagal Tinopikon Park also has a Blowpipe Session for their guests, so get your aims right and get ready to hit some targets. Test your shooting skills and release your inner Bornean shooting skills and let ‘er rip!

Massage by the fishes?

Here’s the part where it will get very fishy. Fish Massage anyone? For real? Yes! It does exist here in Sabah, and one of the places that you can get this unique experience is in the Tagal Tinopikon Park. For some people this is something shocking or maybe for some, it is something that is dangerous. Don’t worry people, these fishes are harmless; they give their guests a light nibble to the skin and some people describe that it feels like a small vacuum sucking on your skin. These fishes are actually giving guests a special medicinal healing massage and it is believe that it is good for those who suffer from psoriasis and it also helps in removing dead skin so that your skin will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom. So if you fancy for something more unique than your average spa, it is time for you to book a trip down to the Tagal Tinopikon Park.

Hello there fishes, is your spa open today?

Not to worry people as this fish do not have razor sharp teeth. They are actually a toothless fish and they can’t really hurt anyone as they have a very smooth and also a slimy scale. These fish will group up on you and get really for that mind relaxing ticklish massage.

Plan your weekend escape together with your friends and family, this can be a perfect destination for your family holidays to Borneo. Look for this signage at the roadside and head down to the Tagal Tinopikon Park! It’ll be a blast!

Looking for more Kota Kinabalu tour packages? Feel free to check it out, you might find some tours that can fit for Borneo holiday with your kids. How about customizing your travel itinerary? Then, click the yellow button on lower right below to chat with us or you can just contact us!

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Let’s Fly High with Tandem Paragliding!

Enjoy the thrill and a sense of freedom of Tandem Paragliding amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Borneo rainforest. Soaring like an eagle while you paraglide with the professional, fully trained, and qualified tandem pilots. Your outdoor adventure starts after you are debriefed by your pilot and ready to fly. Be sure to witness the magnificent view of the villages and Borneo Rainforest, when you soar up high above the sky!

Tandem Paragliding in Sabah, Borneo, has started for quite some years now, but recently it has become a popular outdoor activity in Sabah Borneo. As far as I know, there are two places that you can go for Tandem Paragliding in Sabah, Borneo, which is in Lohan, Ranau and Kokol Hill, Menggatal.

However, before you are planning to go for tandem paragliding in Sabah Borneo, here are some tips that you need to know:

1) Know The Restrictions

You would need to know some of the rules and regulations before going through a tandem paragliding in Sabah, Borneo. Kids or participants (17 years old and below) would need to be accompanied by parent or guardian. Minimum weight is 30 kg and maximum weight 110 kg to participants who wants to join this. Apart from that, for those who have a height-phobia, it is not recommended to join this activity.

A kid on a Tandem Paragliding, photo by: Crassula

2) Contact the Tandem Master to Book the Activity Time Slot

No walk-ins available as this activity is not offered on a daily basis. You would need to contact the tandem master in advance and make full payment before your activity date. Luckily, Top Peak Travel could help you to arrange your travel and booking for the tandem paragliding in your Borneo trip. However, last minute booking would not be possible to reserve your tandem paragliding activity early.

3) Wear Proper Shoes

This is considered an extreme adventurous activity, thus, wearing proper and comfortable shoes is a must. Oh, and also some proper clothing as well. We won’t want the possibility of danger could happen during your tandem paragliding activity.

A kid on a Tandem Paragliding

4) Have FUN!

Tandem Paragliding is not something everyone does all the time (unless you’re an extreme adrenaline junkie). It’s something that makes you squirm for the next few nights and keep you awake thinking, “Why in the world am I doing this again??”. But trust me, it’s something you will definitely want to try and enjoy. So don’t fret and most importantly, enjoy yourself! Let this whole new experience enjoy the wonders of what Mother Nature is giving us!

Raise Your Glass to Sunset in Borneo!

12

September, 2017

The Beautiful Panoramic view of the Sunset Bar

When it comes to watching the sunset, Kota Kinabalu is one of the best places to experience it. If you happened to be in Kota Kinabalu, and if you’re looking for a good place to chill, lay back, enjoy the breeze and have a couple of drinks with your friends and family, why not stop by at the Shangri-La Sunset Bar in Tanjung Aru. It’ll be a completely different experience that you will get there if compared to any other places in Kota Kinabalu.

Yes, you can watch the sunset almost anywhere in Kota Kinabalu but why not do it the classy way at the Sunset bar. The setup of the place is quite unique too as it is in something like a small island that’ll give you that private island feel to it. The Sunset Bar is also a good place to take some good photos for your Instagram, facebook, and other social medias, so boys and gals whip out your phone get in angle and time to snap some good memorable photos.

Whip out that phone and get that Perfecto shot!

Bartender is ready to serve you your drinks

Amazing view of Sunset can be seen

Not only the Sunset Bar has a wide variety of drinks that they serve, but there are also a variety of mouth watering food for you to choose. From satay to burgers, and all sorts of tidbits for you to try, so let your appetite go wild and pick one or maybe two or three hihi. The highlights of the Sunset Bar is definitely the drinks that they serve there (apart from the Sunset of course). You can choose all sorts of cocktails and mocktails at the bar and they have a few signature drinks too. Indulge yourself with the Royal Mojito, Pepperita, or some of the Borneo-Inspired cocktails like the Lepa-Lepa and the Kota Kinabalu Fruit Punch.

Satisfy your thirst with some cold Cocktails and Fresh Fruit Punch!

A big grilled Beef Burger

Enjoy some super appetizing Satay together with that superb view of the Sunset

Chilling at the sofa facing the sea

The Sunset Bar can easily accommodate up to 100 person so don’t worry much about the space and they also provide a selections of seats for you to choose from. You can just chill down at the sofa facing the sea or just relax at the bar. The Sunset Bar offers two different happy hour time duration which is from 4-5pm and continuing on from 8-11pm. So more drinks anyone? hehe..-

Chilling at the sofa facing the sea

If you’re lucky they might also have some local performers for your entertainment. A little smooth and soft jazzy tunes won’t hurt right? It’ll add up to that relaxing vibe and experience. Enjoy the sunset with some cocktails and some relaxing music, now that’s first class!.-

That fantastic view of the Sunset only at the Sunset Bar! An experience that you must not miss in Kota Kinabalu

So now you know about the Shangri-La Sunset Bar, here’s what you have to do. Why don’t you grab some friends and family or maybe a date hehe… And hit the bar, order some drinks, some finger foods, and just chill. That’ll be great for you to de-stress yourself. –

Are you looking for leisure activities in your Sabah Borneo Holiday trip? Here are our Top 5 leisure activities in Sabah that you should do while traveling to Sabah Borneo.

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RELEASE THE TURTLES!

10

September, 2017

Baby turtle released into the sea!

I had the privilege of experiencing a very awakening moment just a few weeks ago. We headed down to Kudat, north of Kinabalu, and also home to the Tip of Borneo where the Sulu Sea meets South China Sea to be a part of a hundred Green Turtle Hatchlings being released into the wild.

It was organized by Kudat Turtle Conservation Society (KTCS), a small society with big dreams to help save and create awareness amongst local and tourist alike in regards to conserving and improving Sea Turtles population in Marine Parks at Kudat Area. At a glimpse, it all looked like a huge success done overnight, but as I got to talk to one of its Co-Founder, Mr. Roland Agansai, what seemed like a day’s work, is actually months and months of hard work preparation and determination on not giving.

Turtle Eggs

I say hard work and determination on not giving up is because most of us take these little creatures for granted. Sea Turtles used to be abundant in Sabah waters. When I was a little girl, my parents and I would always do road trips around Sabah, and they would be natives selling their workmanship or farming goods at the side of the roads. You’ll be able to encounter all sorts of local/exotic delicacies! They will be selling wild boar meat, deer meat, snake meat, live pigeons, dead bats, even turtle eggs! Back then, Sea Turtles were not endangered, and locals do eat its eggs for protein.

Nowadays, selling or even consuming these delicacies are not allowed and against the law because Sea Turtles are in the brink of survival currently, like many other wild animals. Back date to ten years ago, Adult sized Sea Turtles would come to the shores of Kudat Beaches to lay their eggs every night. Each night, you’ll be able to find 3-5 Sea Turtles laying their eggs. Each Sea Turtle would lay around 100 eggs on average. That’s around 500 eggs a night!! But that was ten years ago. Now, to get one Sea Turtle come to shore to lay its eggs in a month is considered as great work for KTCS and the Wildlife Wardens who watches over the beach lines every night.

Out of the hundred percent hatches, only ten percent will survive and have the chance to grow up to be an adult. It takes ten to fifty years after hatching to reach maturity (depending on what species), will they then be able to mate. Within that time, they will be able to mate every two to four years over the course of their adulthood. Female Sea Turtles will come ashore to lay their eggs, and they always return to the place where they were born. How cool is that knowing that those baby Green Turtles that was released recently has a ten percent chance of coming back to the same beach I stood just a few weeks ago. Ten percent, that’s one Sea Turtle returning after a decade at Sea.

Turtle Eggs

The reason why chances of them surviving in the wild is extremely and alarmingly low is because of humans;-

Destruction and degradation of their nesting and feeding grounds

Fisheries by-catch

Poaching of turtles and their eggs both by locals and offshore poachers

More spectators, local and visitors came to witness the released of the baby turtles to the sea

Go..GO..GO..free to the sea baby turtles

At such a low rate, it broke my heart learning that our future generations will not have a chance to even know what a Sea Turtle is unless they read it somewhere or saw a picture. But to see it in person, to view its majestic beauty with their own eyes… I doubt that can ever materialize for them if we do not do something about it.

As of now, KTCS welcomes more organizations and individuals to be part of their family and spread the love about Sea Turtles. These gentle giants, though with a sturdy shell, are very fragile creatures that need our help for a chance at surviving our ever growing era.

If you readers are interested in learning more on how you can help, do not hesitate to contact us or KTCS directly. You can read also our experience on Turtle Island Adventure in Sandakan Borneo too!

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